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♦ ♦!♦♦♦ 



BY EMMA OVERMAN RAYBURN 
AND ISABEL OVERMAN DIEHL. 



^ .J. .J. ^ 



copykight, 1898, bv 

By Emma Overman Rayburn, 

Paxton, Illinois. 



/"■^n^ai' "-« 



DEC 2 7 1898 







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Od 1S95. DO 



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BY EMMA OVERMAN RAYBURN 



(I 



AND ISABEL OVERMAN DIEHL. 



.J. ^^ »j. ^ 



Copyright, 1898, by 

By EmmA Overman Rayburn, 

Paxton, Illinois. 



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23510 



^ * %f 



We desire to make this little "offering" in the true spirit of Him 
who said — "Not hy might nor by power, but by my spirit." 

So with earnest prayer for His blessing on all who read its pages- 
and on the cause to which it is dedicated, the work of Home and Foreign 
Missions, it is sent on its errand of love. 

While the work of our own denomination occupies the first place 
in our hearts, yet we long, more than all else, for the extension of 
Christ's dear Kingdom, "Among all peoples and nations;" and we shall 
be more than glad, if the missionary societies of other Evangelical church- 
es can, through the sale of the little book, help their own denomination 
al work along. 

Our plan is for the President of each Auxiliary Society to bring 
the matter before her members; and should they see fit to take it up, ap- 
point some efficient member-or bright boy orgirl-who can aft'ord to do- 
nate some of their time to the work, to solicit subscriptions for the book 
in that particular community, sending all orders to the senior author and 
manager, Mrs. Emma O. Rayburn, Paxton, 111. All proceeds, above cost 
of publication, advertising and correspondence of the manager — includ- 
ing all postage or express on books — to be retained by societies for their 
own missionary work, with the request of the authors that it be equdlly 
divided between the Boards — Home and Foreign. 

Trusting in God for a blessing on our effort to help His cause, 

Yours, "In His Name," 

E. O. Rayburn, Paxton, 111. 
I. 0. DiEHL, Los Angeles, Cal. 



Cbristmas iBvc, 
^ ^ ^ 

Christmas Eve! What hallowed mem'ries 
Hover round our hearts to-night; 

What a world of love and sweetness 
Shines from happy faces bright. 

Little, anxious hearts have waited, 
Watched and waited, counted too, 

Months and weeks that seemed like ages, 
'Till the days were only few 

That would bring the haypy Christmas, 
Sweetest day of all the year; 

Day that brings such precious treasures, 
Day of all the days most dear; 

Day, when solemn, sacred feehngs 
Mingle with our joy and mirth; 

When we banish care and sorrow, 
When love reigns throughout the earth. 

Listen children, while I tell you 
Of a story sweet and old; 

Of a story that grows sweeter 
Every time we hear it told. 

Many years ago this evening. 
When the stars were shining bright. 

Shepherds in the Held abiding. 
Keeping watch of flocks by night. 

Saw a great light shining round them, 
Heard a voice from out the sky. 

For the Lord had sent His Angel 
With a message from on high; 

Sent him down through floods of glory 
With a message of good cheer. 

Bidding them to hearken to him, 
Quieting their anxious fear. 

And the angel said unto them:— 
"Fear not; Unto you I bring 

Joyful tidings for all people. 
Unto you is born a King. 

Unto you is born a Savior; 
Christ is born o'er all to reign. 

You will find Him in Judea, 
In the city of the plain; 

You will tlnd Him in a manger. 
In the city, Bethlehem." — 



Suddenly from out the heavens 
Burst a melody of song! 

Multitudes were with rhe angel, 
Heavenly hosts a glorious throng! 

Singing, "Glory in the highest, 
On earth peace, good will toward men " 

Thus it was our heavenly Father 
Sent his son down from above. 

Sent our first great "Christmas present"'— 
Gift of boundless, priceless love. 

This is why, dear little children, 
Over all the earth to-night. 

Merry Christmas chimes are pealing, 
Ringing out. with wild delight: 

When with morning's beams of splendor 
"Merry Christmas" is begun. 

Don't forget the first great Christmas, 
Birth of God's beloved son. 

^ ^ ^ 

/IDp Xittle. 

I am ashamed, an offering 

So small to bring my Lord, 
When he hath shed His precious blood — 

At point of cruel sword — 
To take away my stains of sin; 

And make me fit to enter in, 
"Where many mansions be!" 

But he hath said — O, blessed thought — 
"If first a willing mind 

Thou hast my child to give and do. 
Then thou shalt surely find, 

The best of all the gifts to bring — 
The heart's own incense to the King- 
Is truest love to me!" 

"The love that 'miketh not ashamed' 

To own before the world. 
Allegiance to thy risen Lord — 

Tho' taunts and jeers be hurled — 
That self-denying love, which sees 

"Each opportunity to please 



Him. whom thy soul would prove; 

Each day — in every little thing — 
A constant watch to keep, 

That all thy words and actions, make 
A 'harvest' tit to reap 

For Him — a privilege divine! 
'For Him' thy golden sheaves shall shine 

In garners built above! 

"I know my child, thy faith and love; 

And tho' thy store be small, 
Remember, I, the Lord, am He 

Who 'ruleth over all!' 
1 have the power to make thy gift 

Ten thousand weary souls, to lift 
Above earth's care and sin! 

O, never grow discouraged then, 
Nor say 'my little's naught,' 

'Twill be, when in true spirit giv'n, 
With richest blessing fraught. 

"Thine influence, widening like the sea 
To draw poor sinners unto me, 

A crown of life shall win." 

^ * *• 

Uhc Cbristmas ©tferiug. 

I cast about within my mind. 

To see if haply, I might tlnd 

A way to make some money clear, 
To help the Mission cause so dear 

At length 1 hit upon a scheme — . 

Which might unwarrantable seem — 
And yet the great apostle Paul 
Said, "1 be all things unto all. 

If I by any honest plan. 

Might lead some one to the Son of Man, 
Who bore our griefs, and burdens too, 
Yea, died that we might live anew." 

Why should 1 hesitate to prove 

That 1 his cause sincerely love, 

By doing what my hand can find. 
With all my soul and might and mind. 



So Bible truths, all dressed in rhyme, 

Shall win, 1 trust, full many a dime, 

Which, by His strength, and blessing too, 
May grow to dollars, not a few. 

As the loaves and fishes grew, 
May our little "offering" too; 

Grant, dear Lord, that it may lead 

Many hungering souls to feed 
Upon the precious bread of Heaven, 
Which thou, in thy dear son hast given; 

And, drinking from from the "living well," 

Have nevermore of thirst to tell! 

Speed, O, speed the time away. 

When "a nation in a day," 

Shall in triumph shout and sing — 
"All glory to our Heav'nly King!" 

"Lo! All the harvest fields are white!" 
Thrust in the sickle with our might. 

The "night is coming on apace. 

When we shall stand before His face, 
The "one great judge of all the earth!" 
Take heed, O, ye of little worth! 

"Go, in my vineyard, work to-day," 

He calls — 0, haste ye to obey! 

"Why stand ye idle all the day. 
When millions, now are on their way, 
Thro' superstition's awful night. 
To their poor soul's eternal blight? 

"A crown of life, 1 have in store 

For all who toil — and ne'er give o'er — 

"To bring my Kingdom's sure increase, 
Then let your labors never cease! 
Whatever ills betide in life — 
All through earth's trials, din and strife. 
Keep all your armor shining bright, 
And wield the sword of truth and right. 

"Ye blessed of my Father, come! 
Inherit your eternal home!" 

The promise unto all is giv'n, 

Who lead poor, wandring souls to heaven! 



Consecration. 

Psalm 116-12. 
' ^ ^ ^ 

Lord, I will rentier unto thee 

A contrite spirit an.i a broken heart 
For all thy benefits to me; 

And in thy loving service Lord, O, Give me part! 

The humblest work I'll gladly take — 

Whate'er, dear Lord, thou seest fit to send — 

Only give strength, for Jesus' sake. 

That I may weary not unto the end. 

So many have my blessings been, 

In vain I try to count them — o'er and o'er — 
E'en in my woes, thy hand is seen — 

I feel thy loving kindness — more and more! 

Nearer, my God, to thee I'd live. 

E'en tho' it be a cross that raiseth me. 

Dear Lord, my little all I give — 

My hands, my feet, m mind, my life, to thee. 

My hands with patience shall all their work perform; 

My feet shall swiftly run to do thy will; 
My mind her powers exert to aid reform. 

And by thy grace, my life shall serve thee still. 

O consecrate my latent powers 

To thy most righteous cause, my Piiest and King; 
And strengthen me, in darkest hours, 

That 1, by faith and truest life, may bring 

The glad "good news of Peace on earth," 
To many a weary, heavy-laden soul; 

That they may know thy matchless worth. 

And bcw o thine all-wise, supreme control. 

If 'tis thy will my life shall be 

A "ministry of sorrow," for His sake 

Wdo bore the pangs of death for me, 
O, grant me grace, that I may take. 

The "bitter mingled with the sweet" 

As from the great Physician of my soul. 

And bow submissive at his feet. 

Who hath the power alone to make me whole, 



My risen Lord a cup hath drained, 

Which no man, e'er before nor since, 
Had power to drinic! Thou hast attained 

To sit on Heaven's throne, Ahnighty Prince! 

0, thou who reignest thus, on high, 

Who hast "all power, in Heaven and on earth," 
As I approach thee, draw thou nigh 

To thy poor, needy child whose only worth 

Is, that thy grace and mercy Lord, 

From Satan's pow'r can keep me free — 

For thou hast giv'n me thy word 

That, "as thy day is, so thy strength shallbe." 

So, whether, dearest Lord, thy will 

For me to run on errands, to and fio," 

Or merely "stand and wait," or till 

The days with labor, grinding hard and slow. 

It matters not, If 1 may hear 

At last the welcome music of the voice, 
"Well done and faithful! Come up here 

And in my love, forevermore rejoice." 

^ ^ i^ 

Creation'9 IHnDer^song. 

Over the velvety meadows. 
Through the morning's purple gleam, 

I passed to the beautiful woodland. 
And stood by the side of a stream. 

Whose silvery waves murmur soft and low 

To the glistening pebbles o'er which they flow. 

The sun with a crimson glory 
Was flushing the eastern sky. 

And changing to wondrous beauty 
The tops of the hills so high. 

That rose with majestic grandeur and grace. 

And were gently clasped in the clouds' embrace. 

In the meadows and by the wayside, 
Were the buttercups growing bold; 

A single dew-drop diamond 
Held each dainty cup of gold 

That shone and sparkled more wondrously lair, 

Than the costliest jewels, rich and rare. 



Down in a secret, shadowy nook, 
From its cool, damp, mossy bed. 

Gently swayed by the morning breeze, 
The Violet lifted its head 

To tell of the love and friendship true, 

To the lonely rock, by which it grew. 

Up on the flowery hillside, 
At the foot of a moss-covered tree. 

The Wake Robin's pure, white petals 
Unfolded their beauty to me; 

And with gentle voices seem to say 

"Let thy life grow purer, day by day." 

The graceful ferns bowed lightly 
Before the gentle breeze; 

The birds sang blithely, sweetly. 
Among the lofty trees; 

■And the thick-leaved branches trembled under the 

sweet refrain, 
And the leaves made low, sweet music like the sound 
of summer rain. 

The trees bending over the water. 
To hide it with their shade, 

Lovingly, clasping each other, 
A leafy archway made; 

And the sunlight falling through the leaves. 

With their shadows danced merrily on the waves. • 

All day in the woodland, I listened. 
To the songs which its voices sang, 

Hushed by the wondrous music 
With-which the forest rang; 

And over my spirit there came a mystic, magic spell. 

While the echoing hills repeated the sweet tones as 
they fell. 

And when the sun was setting 
In the west so far away, 

And the softened splendor of its light 
Deepened to twilight gray, 

I thought of the beauteous gifts, which fall from the 

master's hand. 
How he scatters his richest treasures, o'er all the smil- 
ing land. 



How all may enjoy the pleasures 
Of the bountiful gifts of his love. 

That soothingly, softly dasceniing 
Like gentle showers from above, 

Wash away sorrows that we would forget,, 

Prepare us for trials that must be met. 

Yes, all see the outward beauty 
Of the world so bright and fair. 

And all hear sweet songs of nature 
In the stilly evening air; 

But all do not hear the anthem, as it floats on the 

breeze along. 
The wondrously beautiful music of "Creation's Un- 
der-song." 

Up from the mystic mine world, 
And over the dark blue sea. 

Over plams and through forests 
Its music is wafted to me. 

To tell that Creation's harmony sweet 

Goes on forever, God's thought to complete. 

The stars in the heaven so high, 
From their hiding placees came, 

And seemed with golden music 
To repeat the Creator's name; 

And the fleecy clouds, which the moon looked through, 

Sailed swiftly on in the ocean of blue. 

Solemnly homeward I went, 
Through the moonlight's silvery gleam, 

Leaving behind the woodland. 
And the beautiful murmuring stream; 

All was still save the cricket's song, 

And the answering waves as they rippled along. 

But I could not leave behind me 
The lessons I learned that day. 

For nature forever keeps singing 
Her own sweet, beautiful lay, 

To impress more deeply upon my heart 

The things she so willingly doth impart. 

And I think that none are so happy. 
In the world's great busy throng, 



As they who list to the music 
Of "Creation's Under-song;" 

As on and onward its measures flow, 
In musical murmurs, soft and low. 

Too oft in these busy lives of ours, 
We forget there is aught but care; 

Forget that the richest blessings 
Surround us everywhere; 

Forget the earnest and true in life. 

'Midst the toils, and cares, and tumult, and strife. 

Forget there's a part for us to sing 
In this beautiful Under-song, 

When our hearts are filled with gladness, 
Or when life seems weary and long; 

Ah! Methinks that our lives would purer be 

Did we join in this wonderful hainiony. 

^ ^ ^ 

Cloper Blossoms. 

Out on the lawn, at break of dawn, 
The velvet grass outgrowing, 

A bunch of clover, creamy white, 
I spied in the early morning light. 

Ere the gardener fell a-movving. 

From blossoms sweet, beneath my feet, 

A fragrance faintly stealing, 
Brings freshly to my mind to day 

A field where merry children play; 
I hear their laughter pealing. 

Along the dells, like silver bells, 

Its music echoes waken, 
While clover heads, both red and white. 
Nod gaily in the soft twilight. 

From purple cloud-folds shaken. 

A wreath they make, then gently take, 

And to a tiny maiden 
They bear it now, and crown her queen. 
With just as much of love, I v/een, 

As though with jewels laden. 



Ah, little queen, with gentle mienf 

Your subjects to you kneeling; 
You little know what queenly power 
Shall grow with you each day and hour, 
Both grace and love revealing. 

A proph^'Cy thou art to me, 

For, as 1 stand beholding, 
As shall each maid's, both true and good, 
Into a glorious womanhood, 

I see thy life unfolding. 

Thy brow so fair, at last shall wear 
A crown of rarest beauty seen; 
And diamonds of good sense shall be 
Set 'round with pearls of purity. 

With amethysts of love between. 

^ ^ ^ 

Oo^'s Care forlbis CbilDreu. 

He careth for His children, 

No good will He withhold 
From them that walk uprightly, 

And keep within His fold. . 
He is our loving Father, 

To whom we all may go, 
Assured of truest comfort 

When burdens heavy grow! 
He pities when we fear Him; 

He knoweth all our frame; 
And He will grant Salvation 

To all who love His name. 

His promise to sustain us 

Thro' all the ills of life; 
Thro' all our care and sorrow. 

And all this earthly strife; 
We know is sure and steadfast. 

If we obey His will 
To live pure lives, and consecrate 

Our powers to serve Him still; 
If we will trust His constant care. 

Whatever be our lot. 
Remember then, O child of God, 

His goodness faileth not! 



Tho' He may hide His face awhile, 

And Hope herself seem dead, 
'Tis but for "one small moment!" 

The clouds break overhead; 
And lo! "The bow of promise now. 

Our weeping eyes behold! 
Hark! "With everlasting kindness 

— How oft hast thou been told? — 
Will I have mercy on thee, child 

According to thy need. 
My covenant with Abraham, 

Is also with his seed! 

"As I have sworn the waters 

Should no more flood the earth, 
So have I sworn mine anger 

Shall not for thee make dearth; 
For lo! the mountains shall depart; 

The hills shall be removed. 
Before my kmdness shall depart 

From thee whom I have loved! 
O, thou who art afflicted, 

And tossed with tempest sore. 
Behold, all thy foundations 

Shall stand forevermore, 

Inlaid with beauteous sapphires. 

Thy stones with colours fair; 
Thy windows of pure agates. 

Thy gates, of jewels rare; 
"And all thy pleasant borders 

Of precious stones so sweet, 
Where pilgrims on life's journey 

May rest their weary feet; 
And all thy precious children 

Shall be taught of the Lord; 
And great shall be thy children's peace. 

According to my word. 

"In righteousness established, 

Thou nevermore shalt fear; 
Thou shalt be free from terror, 

For it shall not come near! 
No weapon e'er shall prosper. 

That for thy hurt is formed; 
The tongues that rise in judgment 

Shall leave thee all unharmed. 
With long life will I bless thee; 



And fruitful thou shalt he, 
Thy life an untold blessing 
To weak humanity. 

"And when, on Zion's mount you stand 

Among the blood-washed throng. 
Within the Jasper walls, to sing 

That 'Wonderful new song'; 
How insignificant will seem 

Earth's sorest trials then! 
You'll wonder how you could have feared 

For harm from sinful men. 
When all the glory you shall see 

He hath revealed in you, 
Thro'out eternity you'll sing 

His praises, ever new! 

^ sr * 

HUrue Moman. 

Prov. XXXI. 

Who can, in all the earth. 

A virtuous woman find — - 
Her price above the ruby's worth — 

Gentle in mien and mind? 

Thank God she may be found, 
In many a favored home. 

Where love and joy unite; 

And peace and honor come. 

Her husbands heart, in her 
Doth safely, sweetly trust; 

He hath no need of spoil — 
So pure is she — and just. 

She crowns his life with good — 

No evil need he fear; 
So long as they shall live, 

For him, love's smile she'll wear. 

Right willingly her hands 

Toil for the loved household; 

The snow may thickly fall — 
She will not fear the cold! 

The law of loving-kindness 
Dwelleth in her tongue; 

She openeth her mouth 

With wisdom for the young. 



Unto the poor and needy 

She stretcheth forth her hand 

To feed and clothe and guide them 
Unto the better land. 

She is clothed with strength and honor; 

And, in the time to come, 
She shall rejoice forever, 

In the bright, eternal home. 

Her children call her blessed — 

Thrice blessed shall she be, 
When children's children praise her name, 

And greet her lovingly. 

* * ^ 



/iDotberboo&. 

Come to my arms, my precious little lamb, 
And let me look upon thy fair, sweet face, 

And gaze into thine eyes of heaven's own blue. 
Long, long I've waited for this sweet embrace! 

The days seemed endless, and each night an age. 

Ere I might see thee in thine innocence and grace. 

A holy, sacred privilege was mine, 

To know the beauteous dawn of conscious motherhood. 
Ere yet I felt the first, faint thrill divine, 

Of thy sweet, loving presence! "O, how good^ 
And greatly to be praised art thou, my God, 

To count me worthy!" Thus in joyous mood, 

I sang about my work, from morn till eve; 

And "pondered" in my loving mother-heart — 
As happy mothers "for the first time" do — 

Of all the bliss the future should impart. 
Never did painter with his brush in hand, 

A fairer picture draw — nor sculptor's art — 

Howe'er renowned — had ever power, to form 

"A model so complete in every way," 
Aa mine with mother-love the motive- power! 

But as "the world was not made in a day," 
I must "let Patience have her perfect work"; 

And first of all, a "sure foundation" lay. 



On which to build the structure, CHARACTER, 

Whose corner-stone and pillars, strong and taut, 

Rooted and grounded in the "precious faith;" 
"Firm as the everlasting hills," inwrought 

With solid rock, shall stand forevermore! 

So chaste, so noble and so true, that naught 

Can e'er destroy the stately building fair — 

"Eternal in the heavens — not made with hands!" 

A master-builder, far more wise and strong 
Than all the artisans of earthly lands, 

Shall have supreme control of this great work! 
He will not build upon the shifting sands, 

"Where winds shall beat, and rolling floods may come." 
Upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, he will lay 

A strong foundation, which no sto'rm can shake. 
Thro' earthquake shock and tempest it will stay, 

More grand and fair than all the gems of earth 
Or all the golden beams of earth's bright day! 

To thee, 0, Lord, do I commit this child. 

Whose life, without thy help, I dare not try 

To 'fine and mould'. 0, undertake for me — 
1 am so weak and helpless! Be thou nigh 

To teach and strengthen me for this great task; 
And guide me with thine own, all-seeing eye! 

I consecrate my life anew to thee; 

And promise, with thy strength and wisdom given. 
To lead this precious soul in thine own way; 

And train it up for usefulness and Heaven, 
That he may be a blessing to mankind — 

Not "drifting aimlessly," nor "tempest driven." 

Ah me! 'Tis many years since first the joy 
Of inexperienced "Motherhood" was mine! 

Forgive me for the times when I forgot 
To seek thy strength and help divine; 

"Forgot" to wear the "glorious dress," dear Lord, . 
In which my ransomed "soul should ever shine." 

"Forgot" that "all my help must come from thee;" 

"Forgot" — sometimes — to "trust thy constant care;" 

"Forgot" to be forever, on my guard! 

"So little time," dear Lord, I had to spare — 



From all the pressing" "cares of every day'" — 

For all the soul's great need! "I must prepare 

For bodies, 'food and raiment' every day!" 

With each child's growth, came ever new demands 

Upon my time and strength, until the "load" 
Grew heavier upon my busy hands 

Than 1 could bear — alone— and so I fell 

Beneath the crushing weight! Who understands — 

Except the "worn out mothers?" Ah! God knows; 

And pities — and forgives! And He w mid bear 
Our burdens oft-times, did we only heed 

His loving call to "cast on Him our care!" 
O, mothers! let us ever keep in mind — 

•'There's always blessing in believing prayer!" 

And, if our "worldly cares" have been allowed 

To choke, in their young hearts, the "goodly seed" 

Of God's dear word, which we ourselves have sown, 
0, "therefore, let us take more earnest heed" 

To pray that He, in spite of our mistakes 

And every wrong, may all our children lead 

To see their sinfulness in His dear sight; 

And look to Him for healing, peace and rest; 
For strength to overcome their "wily, foe"' 

In that "good tight" of all earth's warfare best; 
To live, each day, as in His holy sight; 

"In confidence," withstanding every "test!" 

Thy promises are sure," I know, dear Lord; 

But O, the "weary waiting seems so long! 
Grant me thy presence every day and hour — 

To '!,keep my mind and heart", and make me strong 
To overcome these awful "doubts and fears" 

For my dear children — haunting, all day long! 

From out the "wreckage" of my building" Loid, 
I pray thee save all thou didst help me do — 

For His dear sake who saved me, with His blood; 
Destroy the rest, and help me build anew, 

Of "silver, precious stones, and purest gold," 
A structure, beautiful, and strong and true! 

^ ^ ^ 



■|[C>ealt3e. 

If, of life, your "high ideal" 

You can never realize. 
Then, in work — so hard and real — 

Be your aim — "Idealize!" 
Tho' unlovely and distasteful 

Be the task the Master sets 
Do not spend your time in wasteful — 

Worse than foolish — vain regrets. 
Be your aim — "Idealize!" 

In compassion — strong and tender — 

Ever mindful of thy need — 
He, thy tried and safe defender. 

Will "His own" to VICTORY lead, 
Lo! The hosts of hell menace thee — 

Like a hunted creature thou! 
Dangers great and awful face thee, 

And thou criest, "Tell me how 
I may thus 'Idealize!' " 

"Not by might and not by power," 

In the struggle for the right; 
"By my spirit — strongest tower — 

Thou mayest win the fiercest fight- 
Thou Shalt more than concyrer be. 

Thro' his blood— the Crucified—' 
From the yoke of bondage free! 

If thou wilt in me abide." 
Thus, thou mayest "Idealize." 

Of ideal lives, our Saviour, 

Christ, the lowly Nazarene, 
By His every day behaviour — 

"In the shop, behind the screen"— 
Lived the truest, noblest, purest — 

Yea, a perfect life was His! 
Well He knew tne way, the surest 

To the "highest realms of bliss," 
Was to just— "Idealize!" 

What, tho' scant the food and raiment 

In his humble home on earth! 
With no thought of "ample payment," 



Tho' his work of priceless worth 1 
Faithful, till He cried " 'tis tinished"— 

Tho' life's burdens pressed Him sore! 
Thro' His love, still undiminished, 

We may live forevermore, 
Truest lives "Idealized!" 

*■ * * 

Xa Cabana. 

I've been sitting alone this evening. 

Till the shadows have softly grown, 
And their folds, like heavy curtains, 

'Twixt heaven and earth are hung; 
While the light which quickly faded, 

Has to other regions flovvn. 
O, ye in homes so happy, 

With laughter, music and song — 
With the loved ones gathered 'round you, 

O, merry, merry throng! 
Can you fathom the depths of meaning 

In that one word alone? 

Can you know the exquisite anguish 

The indefinable pain, 
The homesickness, sorrow and sadness, 

The longing that's all in vain? 
We thank thee, O Father in heaven. 

That thou, in thine infinite love, 
Dost understand all of our longings, 

From thy beautiful home above; 
Dost look down to pity, and help us 

Make brighter each sorrowful way — 
To turn, with the light of thy presence. 

Darkest night to sunshiny day! 

Yes, I'm sitting alone in the shadows, 

With the indefinable pain — 
With the indescribable longing 

That seems to be all in vain! 
And yet, as the night closes 'round me. 

Bright visions of beautiful things 
So softly, so sweetly come to me, 

That it seems as if angel wings 
Have brought from behind the darkness, 



From a Iiin.i of golden light, 
And left, as they passed near by me. 
Sweet glimpses of Heaven to-night! 

Now, roaming in memory's palace, 

Thro' it's chambers and stately halls; 
And studying the pictures of times gone by 

That hang on its goodly walls; 
One bright, panoramic picture — 

That hangs in the outer hall — 
Of a visit to La Cahana, 

Seems fairest and brightest of all. 
Sweet, beautiful La Cahana, 

Under sunny, southern sky; 
With the great, old mountains behind it. 

So grand, and still, and high! 

The mountains — whose fitful shadows 

Chase each other the long day thro'; 
Whose colors vie with the heavens 

In their varying shades of blue. 
The orange groves with fruit of gold; 

And blossoms white as snow, 
Surround a lovely cottage, 

In the valley just below. 
Beautiful flowers of brightest hues 

Are growing everywhere; 
And over the broad veranda 

Climb vines and roses rare. 

While I stand before the picture, 

Slill gazing with rapt delight, 
The views are swiftly changing 

As they pass before my sight. 
Ah! How I wish it were possible 

To tell of the beautiful things! 
To tell of the loving and happy thoughts 

Which the picture to memory brings. 
'Tis never quite given in life, I think — 

This power for which we long — 
To grasp the thought of the Infinite; 

And weave it in verse and song. 

And so, I find it impossible 
To say all I wish to say 



Of those beautiful days that have vanished — 

That glided like dreams away; 
But I know that, however imperfect, 

The story I give you may be, 
There are some who will always love it, 

Those who were there with me. 
Will always read between the lines 

The joy and beauty untold, 
Will always think of that happy time, 

As more precious to us than gold! 

Again we are climbing the canons 

The mists are rolling away; 
And the mountains are crowned in splendor, 

With the light of the fresh, young day! 
Climbing the beautiful canons; 

And above them, wherever we go, 
Snowy yuccas, like sentinels standing 

Keep guard of the vale below. 
But here, tho' the wonderful picture 

Is dainty, and fair, and sweet, 
1 turn away unsatisfied — 

It seems so incomplete! 
For never, O, grand old canons! 

Can painter or poet tell, 
One half of the hidden beauties 

That within your sweet depths dwell! 

Only in fancy's bright vision 

Can I see in perfection again, 
This picture of sweet seclusion, 

"Far away from the haunts of men." 
Down from the heights above us. 

Flashing with silvery gleam, 
From the cool, sequestered silence; 

Fell a narrow mountain stream; 
And its tiny waves were laden 

With messages low and sweet. 
As we gazed in its limpid waters. 

Flowing gently at our feet. 

The voice of the rippling waters. 

Brought a spirit of love and peace; 
And we felt, in those blissful moments. 



A sense of sweet release 
From all earth's manifold sorrows. 

From every corroding care, 
As we studied in silent wonder. 

The beauties of nature there. 
We sat in a fairy, fern-land bower — 

By crystal waterfall. 
And gathered the brakes and graceful ferns 

That grew by the granite wall; 

And below, and around, and above us, 

From the daintiest flowers that grew. 
To the sheltering walls of granite, 

And the cloudless sky of blue, 
We felt there was nothing wanting 

In that peaceful, quiet retreat. 
But the presence of loved ones, far away. 

To make our joy complete. 
Then we climbed the rocks together, 

And every step we trod, 
We were led to look up thro' nature, 

To nature's wonderful God! 

And helpful, comforting lessons, 

From all His works so fair. 
Seemed to fall like benedictions, 

Over our spirits there. 
Bright days that we spent together, 

On which we love to dwell! 
Where never a cloud nor shadow 

Over our happiness fell. 
The memory of sweet La Cahana, 

In the years that come and go, 
Like the music of murmuring streams, 

Thro' each of our lives will flow. 

Dawn ot Mope. 

I sit in the soft gray twilight, 

But the shadows thickly fall, 
Casting in gloom and sadness, 

Deep darkness over all. 
The light of the sun has faded — 

The beautiful twilight gone; 
And thro' the bare, brown branches. 

The wild, wintry wind sweeps on. 



Ah! dark seems the world, and dreary, 

As I gaze on the blackness of night; 
And I shiver! From cold? No, from sadness, 

As I turn from the fireside bright; 
For into my life a sadness 

Darker than night has grown; 
And the icy winds of winter, 

Only echo my soul's sad moan. 

When the beautiful flower of Hope, 

By fate's rude sickle is mown, 
And its petals seem closed forever, 

And its sweetness and beauty have flown, 
Life seems darker and drearer 

Than the darkest night can be; 
More restless, and tossed and troubled 

Than the wild and stormy sea. 

With a sigh I step to the window 

And draw the curtains aside; 
Look! Already the clouds are breaking! 

And the lovely moon doth ride 
In the beautiful blue of the heavens, 

Shedding her floods of light, 
In silvery beams of splendor 

Upon the earth's cold night. 

The stars, the "flowers of the angels," 

Are blossoming one by one. 
They whisper "Peace" to my spirit. 

And the words "Thy will be done." 
O, soul! hast thou thus forgotten 

Thy Master's words and will, 
When he calmed the troubled waters, 

Saying unto them "Peace be still?" 

Look up, O soul, thro' the darkness. 

Into the mystic land! 
Before thee the "curtains" are parting, 

Drawn aside by an unseen hand; 
And light from the City Celestial, 

Thro' the radiant vista gleams; 
And I seem transported in rapture, 

To a land of golden dreams. 

And to my spirit there speaketh 

A voice from the land unknown; 

And its silvery music hath hushed 
The wail of mv soul's sad moan. 



These are the words I hear — 
Borne by the breeze along — 

"Why art thou sad, O soul? 

Why hast thou ceased thy glad song? 

"God's plans are lovely and wise, 

Like lillies. they'll open wide; 
They are hiding, with pure white petals, 

The calyx of gold inside. 
Despise n^ t the Father's chastening, 

Well He knoweth thy greatest need! 
He will never leave nor forsake thee, 

Nor 'break the bruised reed.' 

"Draw nearer, O soul! Draw nearer — 

'Tis a cross that raiseth thee! 
Face calmly the rude storms of earth, 

And purer thy lite shall be; 
For he who endureth the sorrows, 

And trials and cares of life, 
Shall find himself purified, strengthened, 

Yea, made sublime for the strife!" 

The voice has ceased its speaking. 

Yet still by the window I stand, 
For it seemeth the Heavenly Father 

Hath taken me by the hand; 
And gently leading me upward. 

Hath taught me that His way is best, 
Hath shown me the bright side of sorrow, 

And the way to peace and rest. 

^ ^ ^ 

Zbc %ox^'3 prater. 

Our Father who in Heaven art. 

We praise thy name with tongue and heart; 

0, may it ever hallowed be, 

Both now and thro' eternity! 

May every tongue and every knee 

Confess Thy name, and bow to Thee. 

0, let Thy Kingdom quickly come! 
We pray Thee, visit every home; 
And, by thy spirit's influence sweet, 
Draw sinners to Thy mercy seat. 
May all their grateful homage bring 
To Thee, our Prophet, Priest and King. 



May we lielp build Thy Kingdom, Lord, 
And, 0, we pray Thy Holy Word 
Shall be to every fainting heart 
The dearest, best and sweetest part! 
Let all the nations of the earth 
With loud hosannas bless Thy birth! 

Help us to say: "Thy will be done," 
When griefs and trials -one by one — 
Like mighty billovvs o'er us roll, 

And tliick, black clouds en.vrap the soul. 
0, give us faith, that we may know 
The "silver lining" still doth glow. 

Give us this day the bread we need, 
Our souls on "Heavenly manna" feed. 
In whatsoever we may do - 
In eating and in drinking, too — 
May we shuw forth Thy glory, Lord, 
As we're commanded in Thy Word. 

As we our enemies forgive, 
0, bid us turn to Thee and live! 
Strengthen and bless and sanctify; 
"Keep, as the apple of thine eye" 
Thy children from temptation's harm; 
Uphold with thine almighty arm! 

We pray Thee, be our "Sun and Shield;" 

Enable us by grace to "yield 

The fruits tor true repentance meet." 

We'll cast our trophies at thy feet, 

And to Thy name forevermore 

Sing glory, honor, praise and power! 

* * * _ 

Zbc Secret Jfountain. 

The secret or the Lord is with them that fear him. 
Psalms 25-14. 

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the 
city of God. Psalms 46-4. 

There is a secret fountain, 

Whose streams ne'er cease to flow; 
T<i those whose lives are "hid with Christ," 



In murmurs soft and low, 
Thro' daytime's noisy hustle, 

Or silence of the night. 
They keep forever singing 

Of LIFE, and LOVE and LIGHT! 

Eternal life, most blessed — 

God's precious gift to man! 
His Love divine, how wondrous, 

To form Salvation's plan! 
His own dear son the sacrifice 

Must make, to set us free — 
Born to a life of hardship, 

And matchless agony. 

Thanks be to God the father, 

For His own precious Son, 
Who died on Calvary's mountain, 

To save a world undone. 
The Light of all the ages — 

Most glorious and bright. — 
To set our hearts to singing 

Even in Sorrow's night. 

The "oil of joy for mourning," 

A blessed, soothing balm, 
To heal the wounded spirit. 

And "troubled waters calm," 
Grief-laden, weary pilgrims, 

Anointing with this oil. 
Shall sweeten every sorrow. 

And lighten all their toil. 

"As trees of God's own planting, 

The garment of His praise" 
He giveth his beloved 

To wear thro' endless days. 
'Tis comely for the upright, 

Because their actions prove 
The truth of their "sweet story 

Of Jesus and His love." 

O, "tree beside the river. 

Whose leaf shall wither not. 

Who barest in thy season," 
Tho' in some lonely spot, 

"The fruit of His dear spirit. 



Better than finest gold;" 
Whose taste more sweet than honey, 
And goodly to behold; 

Dost ever long for mountain 

Or meadows broad and free — 
So weary grown, of standing 

Just where He planted thee? 
Then listen to the music! 

In tender notes of love, 
The "river -song" is telling 

How "the dear Lord above, 

"Careth for all His children; 

And never will forsake; 
When thou art worn and weary. 

Himself thy load will take; 
He is not willing any 

Should sore affliction see; 
But that thy faith — most precious — 

Tho' tried by tire it be — 

"Shall at thy Lord's appearing, 

Unto his praise be found; 
And glory, strength and honor. 

To His dear name abound! 
Know this: the richest fruitage 

Is found in deepest shade; 
And sweetest flowers are blooming 

In secret glen and glade! 

"Concerning thee. His purpose — 

A wise and lovely plan, 
To make thy life a blessing, 

Beyond the ken of man; 
Workmg in thee. His pattern! 

Only submissive be; 
And soon, thy wondering vision 

Thy starry crown shall see!" 




CHRISTMAS EVE - - - - I. O. D. 

MY LITTLE - - - - - E. O- R. 

THE CHRISTMAS OFFERING - - - E. 0. R. 

CONSECRATION - - - - E. O. R. 

CREATION'S UNDER-SONG - - - I. 0. D. 

CLOVER BLOSSOMS - - . - - p.. Q. D. 

GOD'S CARE FOR HIS CHILDREN - - E. O. R. 

A TRUE WOMAN - - - ' - E. O. R. 

MOTHERHOOD - - - - " E. O. R. 

IDEALIZE - - - - - E. O. R. 

LA CAHANA - - - - !. O. D. 

DAWN OF HOPE - - - - I. O. D. 

THE LORD'S PRAYER - - - E. O. R. 

THE SECRET FOUNTAIN - - - - E. O. R. 



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